title: [Atrial fibrillation in Germany--epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and costs].
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications and stroke. The treatment options for atrial fibrillation have changed significantly in recent years by new drugs and ablative procedures. It is based on the principal strategies of anticoagulation, rhythm and rate control. Goal is to reduce symptoms and subsequent events. Although the costs of about 700 to pound 800 per patient per year are rather high, new treatment options might be associated with a reduction in event rates and an increase in quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The aim of this review is to give a practical overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and costs to pharmacists who have a key role in the implementation of pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Pharmakologie und Präventive Medizin, Menzelstrasse 21, 15831 Mahlow, Duisburg-Essen.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bramlage
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thoenes
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Tebbe
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bramlage
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasem
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents